Match Preview - Liverpool v Standard Liege

Liverpool prepare for an unexpectedly tricky tie against Standard Liege. by Anfield Online | Wednesday 27th August 2008

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UEFA Champions League
3rd Qualifying Round 2nd Leg (1st Leg 0-0)
Wed 27th August 2008 (20:05) @ Anfield

Liverpool host the crucial second leg of the UEFA Champions League Qualifying round with the tie finely balanced, almost in Liege’s favour.

Liverpool were hit by an unexpected onslaught by the Belgian champions two weeks ago, and after a saved penalty from Reina and a save off the goal-line can consider themselves lucky to still be in this tie.

There will be no room for a repeat performance as the reds need to win on the night to go through to the group stages of the Champions League. A score draw would leave Liverpool out of the Champions League and take an £18 million hit on the clubs income.

Sami Hyypia is still out with an injury and both Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano, although back at the club, are unlikely to figure after their Olympics exploits.  Steven Gerrard claims to still not be at his best in terms of fitness, but is expected to play alongside Xabi Alonso.

Betting

The bookies are even more confident that Liverpool will win on the night than they were in the first leg.  Liege are an almost outrageous 14/1 to win.  I’m sure some neutrals will be looking at those odds.

Liverpool 1/6
Draw 11/2
Standard Liege 14/1

Paddy Power are offering an impressive free £20 bet when you place a £10 bet. The offer is here.

Also they are offering a refund of any incorrect scoreline or goalscorer predictions if Robbie Keane scores the last goal. Jamie Carragher is 40/1 to be first goalscorer!

Opposition Links

Official Standard Liege Website

TV

The match will be shown live on ITV1 and ITV-HD in Great Britain. The programme begins at 8pm. Expect lots of anti-Liverpool bias.

Fan Discussion

You can discuss the build up to the game against Standard Liege in the forum here
http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,9066.0.html

Sign up now and enter the LFC Reds Prediction League for free and predict the scoreline
http://www.lfcreds.com/PredictionLeague/

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